Lac La Biche Area Update

Lac La Biche Forest Area Evening Update - July 15, 2021

Posted on Thu, Jul 15, 2021

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The fire danger rating remains EXTREME for the Lac La Biche Forest Protection Area.

The cold front that is moving through Alberta will bring cooler temperatures tomorrow but also a possibility of more thunderstorms and lightning. With the current drought conditions, the lightning associated with this weather system could easily ignite new wildfires.

Please report wildfires immediately by calling 310-FIRE or #FIRE on your cell phone.


 

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Fire 154 this afternoon


Wildfire Situation

As of 8:00 p.m., there were 9 wildfires burning in the Lac La Biche Forest Area. In total, 3 fires are out of control, 2 are being held and 4 are under control. Crews successfully extinguished 7 fires today.

 

Fire LWF164 was discovered today, and its cause is under investigation. It is out of control at 100 hectares. It is located in the Egg Lake area and is surrounded by fen and previously burnt forest. The fire is being monitored, but as it poses no risk, no ground resources have been assigned. Wildfire resources are allocated according to priorities such as risk to human life, communities, watersheds and soils, natural resources, and infrastructure.

 

Fire LWF154 was discovered July 12 and was lightning caused. It continues to be out of control and is now estimated at 126 hectares. A fire break, known as a dozer guard, has been created along the eastern flank, that is, between the fire and the highway. Heavy machinery continues to work on the western flank of the fire. The fire challenged the eastern guard today, but these spot fires were quickly addressed by air support. The fire is in proximity to the railway, electrical power lines and industry infrastructure. It is also approximately 1.6 kilometres west of Highway 881. Presently the highway is not closed, but there is signage indicating that smoke may impact visibility. As well, the fire is estimated to be 15 kilometres to the northwest of Janvier and the community is not threatened. Today there were 48 firefighters, 5 management staff, 5 pieces of heavy equipment, 4 helicopters and air tankers working to contain the fire.

 

Fire LWF152 was discovered July 12 and was lightning caused. It continues to be out of control at 80 hectares. It is located less than a kilometre west of Highway 63 in the House River area. The fire has not reached the highway but smoke is impacting the area. Today there were 32 firefighters, 4 management staff, 3 pieces of heavy equipment, 2 helicopters, and air tankers working to contain the fire. A fire break, known as a dozer guard, has been created around 100 percent of the fire.

 

Fire LWF157 was discovered today, and its cause is under investigation. It is being held at 0.01 hectare, east of Highway 63 in the House River area. Today there were 4 firefighters and 1 helicopter working to suppress the fire.

 

Fire LWF163 was discovered today, and its cause is under investigation. It is being held at 0.1 hectare. Today there were 4 firefighters and 1 helicopter working to suppress the fire.

 

Fire LWF147 was discovered July 11 and was lightning caused. It is being held at 5.5 hectares. It is located approximately 2 kilometres west of Highway 63 in the Wandering River area. Today there were 8 firefighters, 1 management staff and 1 helicopter working to suppress the fire.

 

Fire LWF146 was discovered July 11 and was lightning caused. It is under control at 3 hectares. Today there were 4 firefighters patrolling and monitoring for hotspots.

 

Fire LWF129 was discovered July 2 and was lightning caused. It is under control at 372 hectares. As the fire is under control, no resources have been assigned to it today. Wildfire resources are allocated according to priorities such as risk to human life, communities, and infrastructure. This fire will be reassessed in coming days.

 

To view the wildfires on a map, download the new AB Wildfire Status App.

Fire Restriction wide

A FIRE RESTRICTION remains in place for the Lac La Biche Forest Area due to hot and dry conditions, which are increasing the fire danger.

Under this restriction:

  • Existing fire permits are suspended;
  • All outdoor fires presently burning under permit must be extinguished, unless approved to continue by a Forest Officer;
  • Safe wood campfires within fire rings in campgrounds and backyard fire pits are allowed.

Prohibited:

  • Wood campfires on public land
  • Fireworks and exploding targets

Allowed:

  • Wood campfires on private land
  • Wood campfires within provincial campgrounds in a designated campfire ring
  • Backyard fire pits on private land
  • Charcoal briquette barbeques
  • Propane or natural gas fueled appliances
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open flame oil devices

Remember to check the hot spots on your Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and remove debris before and after use.

Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished. If you see a wildfire, report it immediately by calling 310-FIRE.

The fire restriction will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Provincial Wildfire Situation

As of 10 a.m. July 15, 2021 there were 89 active wildfires in the Forest Protection Area of Alberta (FPA). Fifteen of these wildfires are out of control, 29 are being held, 44 are under control, and 1 has been turned over to the responsible party.

Since March 1, there have been 882 wildfires in the FPA, burning a total of 20,314 ha.


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OHV Safety

If you are operating an off-highway vehicle, remember to stop often and check your hotspots.

An off-highway vehicle exhaust can reach temperatures of over 200 Celsius, causing debris caught near the exhaust to become superheated. This debris can potentially start a wildfire when it falls to the ground.

Before you ride, clean any debris that has built up near the exhaust and muffler, under the seat, in wheel wells and around the engine.

New Alberta Wildfire App

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Download the new Alberta Wildfire app today and get access to accurate, real-time information on wildfires in your area. You can also find information on fire advisories, restrictions and  bans across the province and much more.

Available for Apple and Android.


Campfire Safety

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We urge everyone to use caution when working and recreating outdoors. Never leave your campfire unattended. Before leaving, be sure to soak your campfire, stir it and soak it again.


For more information between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., please contact: 

 

 

Provincial Information Officer

780-420-1968

wildfireinfo@gov.ab.ca 

 

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